This year’s IBC tradeshow is bringing lots of news from some of the companies we follow and Sigma has just announced a shakeup to their CINE Lens line as well as the development of two new 65mm CINE prime lenses – the Sigma 65mm T1.5 FF and the Sigma 65mm T2.5 FF. Both lenses offer filmmakers two distinct tools to choose from – a high-speed prime or an uncoated prime that offers a more classic look to their image. Here’s what we know so far.
Sigma 65mm T1.5 FF Tech Specs
| Product Line | FF High Speed Prime Line |
| Edition Number | 023 |
| Lens Mount | PL Mount (/i Technology compatible), Canon EF Mount, Sony E-Mount |
| Focal Length | 65mm |
| Aperture | T1.5 – T16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (rounded) |
| Close Focus *1 | 0.65m / 2’2″ |
| Magnification Ratio | 1:7.9 |
| Image Circle | FF ?43.3 mm |
| Front Diameter | ?95mm / 3.7″ |
| Filter Size | M 86 x 1.0mm |
| Length *2 | PL Mount (/i Technology compatible): 120.6mm / 4.8″ Canon EF Mount: 128.6mm / 5.1″ Sony E-Mount: 154.6mm / 6.1″ |
| Weight *3 | TBD |
| Angle of View | FF *4: 31° S35 *5: 21.4° APS-C *6: 20.7° |
| Lens Support Foot | LENS SUPPORT FOOT SF-31 |
Sigma 65mm T2.5 FF
| Product Line | FF Classic Prime Line |
| Edition Number | 023 |
| Lens Mount | PL Mount (/i Technology compatible) |
| Focal Length | 65mm |
| Aperture | T2.5 – T25 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (rounded) |
| Close Focus *1 | 0.65m / 2’2″ |
| Magnification Ratio | 1:7.9 |
| Image Circle | FF ?43.3 mm |
| Front Diameter | ?95mm / 3.7″ |
| Filter Size | M 86 x 1.0mm |
| Length *2 | 120.6mm / 4.8″ |
| Weight *3 | TBD |
| Angle of View | FF *4: 31° S35 *5: 21.4° APS-C *6: 20.7° |
| Lens Support Foot | LENS SUPPORT FOOT SF-31 |
Coated Lenses vs. Uncoated Lenses
While these two new lenses may not be too dissimilar on paper, their output variety is the main takeaway here. This is fundamentally the meat and potatoes in the distinction between a coated lens and an uncoated lens. At it’s most basic level, a coated lens’ glass element(s) (are) is treated by the manufacturer to reduce certain unwanted effects like ghosting or light flaring. This allows the lenses to produce the highest possible resolution and maximize the image’s sharpness.
By contrast, uncoated lens elements lean into these “flaws” to provide a character that is truly unique to the lens and focal length. When we talk about “classic cinematic looks” in filmmaking and even in photography, what we’re actually talking about is finding ways to use these effects to create a look and feel for the images being produced. For filmmakers looking for a more artistic effect, the Sigma 65mm T2.5 FF is sure to be of interest.
Sigma’s CINE Line Expands to 11 and Opens Up Individual Lens Sales
At the time of this writing, there is no official release date for either of the 65mm CINE lenses, however, if you find yourself at IBC this weekend, you can stop by the Sigma booth to check out prototype versions of the new lenses. If you just can’t wait for the release of the new lenses, you’re in luck as Sigma announced that their entire CINE lens lineup is now available for individual retail sale – previously only available as a set of 10. You can learn more about Sigma’s CINE Lens Line here.
